The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called for the speedy passage of the Whistleblower Protection Law to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.
Olukoyede made the appeal in Lagos during a nationwide sensitization programme on Whistleblowing Policy Implementation.
Represented by the Director of Public Affairs at the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, the anti-graft chief described whistleblowing as a globally recognized tool in combating corruption, stressing its relevance to both public and private institutions.
According to him, the policy empowers citizens to participate actively in exposing fraud, bribery, and looted funds, while also contributing to the recovery of stolen assets.
“Corruption, alongside insecurity, remains one of the most disruptive forces against Nigeria’s political, social, and economic wellbeing,” he said.
Olukoyede recalled that within the first two months of the policy’s introduction in 2017, the federal government recovered over $178 million from whistleblower disclosures. He noted that beyond aiding asset recovery, the policy has stimulated investigations, facilitated early detection of graft, boosted public confidence, and promoted transparency and good governance.
However, he expressed concern that enthusiasm for whistleblowing had declined due to the absence of legal protection for informants, bureaucratic bottlenecks in processing rewards, and other procedural challenges.
He stressed the urgent need for reforms, beginning with the passage of a Whistleblower Protection Law that would provide safeguards against victimization, establish clear reporting channels, and streamline payment procedures.
“A Whistleblower Protection Law is a national necessity,” Olukoyede stated, urging the National Assembly to fast-track the pending bill in line with Article 33 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which obliges member states to protect whistleblowers.
While acknowledging the incentive aspect of the policy, he appealed to Nigerians to see whistleblowing as a patriotic duty rather than solely a financial opportunity.
“Whistleblowing should be proactive and preventive, not merely reactionary. Preventing the looting of public funds is far more effective than struggling to recover them after the fact,” he added.
Olukoyede concluded that the bill’s passage would secure a stronger framework for accountability, transparency, and good governance in Nigeria.
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